The Bennion Center at the University of Utah, founded by former President Chase Peterson in honor of Lowell Bennion, is dedicated to inspiring and mobilizing individuals to enhance communities through learning, scholarship, and advocacy.
One key initiative of the center is the Saturday Service Projects, which provide students with opportunities to engage in one-day community service activities aimed at helping local communities in Salt Lake City.
Brett Gaffney, the community events program manager at the Bennion Center, highlighted the significance of these projects.
‘We shoot for about 500 to 600 volunteers for the day,’ Gaffney stated.
He elaborated that while the numbers might seem arbitrary, seeing volunteers unite and the tangible impact of their efforts truly illustrates the collective power of community action.
Skyler Rudd, a student leader involved with the center, shared insights from his experience as a site leader for the Spring Into Service initiative, part of the Saturday Service Projects.
‘I’ve really been driven to help my community out,’ Rudd explained.
He noted that the Bennion Center continually organizes activities and service projects aimed at supporting disadvantaged populations, thereby enhancing his connection to the community while pursuing his educational goals.
One of the most significant collaborations for the Bennion Center is with the Sustainability Office at the University of Utah, particularly for the month-long Earth Month celebration.
‘We’ve made Spring Into Service a part of the Earth Month series of events,’ Gaffney stated.
This synergy not only promotes positive change in the local community but also encourages participation in other Earth Month activities, fostering a collaborative experience.
Gaffney expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside other campus partners, stating that collaboration strengthens relationships and enhances the overall impact of events.
In discussing the center’s approach to community needs, Gaffney emphasized the importance of listening to the community rather than making assumptions about their requirements.
He stated, ‘We like to really focus on letting our community tell us what they need.’
This philosophy of building reciprocal relationships involves meeting with community partners and understanding their unique needs.
The benefits of participating in community service extend beyond aiding the local population; they foster personal growth and insight for the volunteers.
Gaffney asserted that experiences such as serving as a site leader or a general volunteer help individuals recognize their connection to larger causes and communities.
‘They realize that they’re part of something bigger than themselves,’ he added.
This exposure helps students break free from the myopia that often accompanies academic life, allowing them to see beyond their focus on majors and classes.
By engaging in community service, students gain invaluable perspectives about their social environment and learn how their contributions can make a significant difference.
Ultimately, endeavors like the Saturday Service Projects not only focus on enhancing community welfare but also promote personal development for participants, forging stronger ties among volunteers and the communities they serve.
image source from：https://dailyutahchronicle.com/2025/04/24/springing-into-service-with-the-bennion-center/
